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Andrea Smith

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Black Balled: Enemies to Lovers, Coming Out M/M Romance (Black Balled Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Andrea Smith (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

515

Book 1 of 3: Black Balled Series

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VOTED BEST M/M ROMANCE OF 2015!

My name is Babu and I'm a reviewer. No, scratch that...I'm a living god in the review world!

I have no filter and for that my flock of humble followers on Greatreads and The Bluffington Gazette are forever grateful. If not for me, they wouldn't know what to read. I have no patience for the weak-minded attention seekers, nor do I have respect for the self-proclaimed "geniuses" of the Indie world. My advice to all Indie authors is to never break the Cardinal Rule in this cut-throat business.

My name is L. Blackburn and I'm an Indie author.

My literary genius is loved and worshipped throughout the book world except, of course, by one self-centered reviewer who goes by the name of 'Babu.' Apparently I broke some Cardinal Rule and now I'm paying the high price for it. But then, if a predator attacked your cub, wouldn't you go for the throat?

Game on, Babu . . . Game. Is. On.

ADULT CONTENT

Book 1 of 3

Black Balled Series
Print length

322 pages
Language

English
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On Kindle Scribe
Publication date

4 May 2015
File size

1573 KB
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Product description

About the Author

Andrea Smith is a USA Today Best-Selling Author of New Adult Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Contemporary Romance with an erotic tone. She also writes naughty nuggets with Laurel Landon!

Check out her other books! You will never be bored!

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00URTZLZI
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Meatball Taster Publishing, LLC; 1st edition (4 May 2015)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 1573 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 322 pages

Best Sellers Rank: 423,435 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- 4,013 in Erotic Bisexual Fiction
- 4,073 in Erotic Romance (Kindle Store)
- 4,725 in Erotic Gay Fiction

Customer Reviews:
515

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Andrea Smith

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USA Today and Amazon #1 Best-Selling author Andrea Smith offers her readers a plethora of romance and suspense genres to enjoy!

From New Adult Romance, YA Suspense, M/M Romance, MMF Romance, Paranormal Romance, True Crime Fiction and Romantic Comedy. Ms. Smith has it all. Her unexpected plot twists are just one of her signature traits; she also infuses clever humor and sprinkles of satire in her novels. Her unique style is what her readers love most. She is no one-trick pony, and promises her readers she'll never publish "cookie-cutter" fiction. Many of her books are available on audio!

Feel free to visit her website and peruse!

http://www.andreasmithauthor.com/

FOLLOW HER ON BOOK BUB:

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MMBook Reader

A FANTASTIC READ.

Reviewed in Australia on 13 May 2015

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LOVED IT. If there was ten stars i would give it ten..Highly recommend this book. like the other reviews, I totally agree with them. A story about two alpha males butting heads, I'll be def. re-rereading this over and over. FANTASTIC READ

One person found this helpful

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Karen

Decide For Yourself 📖

Reviewed in Australia on 21 December 2022

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After reading some reviews I quickly saw that this was a controversial story in 2015. Somehow it flew under the radar for me but this book kept popping up as something I might enjoy based on my reading history. I won’t add to the debate only to say I’m glad I didn’t let the opinions of goodreads reviewers censorship my choice to read this book.

Goodreads why are you allowing people to rate and review a book they haven’t read 🤔

Andrea Smith is a new author to me and one I’m going to read again. Read the author’s blurb and read reviews if you need to then decide if this is a story that interests you. I thought it cleverly written and something different and it has made me think about the power of words and how they may reek havoc or enhance someone’s life and livelihood and has me thinking how I’ll rate and review going forward. Where exactly truth lies or how much is subjective opinion given a voice then becomes someone’s truth which then spreads like a bushfire. Reading Black Balled has shown me there’s always two sides to a story and perhaps the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Controversy aside this was one good and at times a funny read although I’m still undecided as to whether I like both of the main characters 🤔

And hot 🥵 did I mention it was hot 🔥 🤣

Reviewed in Australia on 1 August 2015

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Funny, witty, sarcastic and definitely sexy! A very different approach that I thoroughly enjoyed! How flawed some of the characters were, but overcame everything with love.

Reviewed in Australia on 30 May 2015

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Loved it - love the characters. What a hoot when they try to out do each other.

One person found this helpful

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Amanda Dalton

When and author and critic goad each other into verbal war

Reviewed in Australia on 28 January 2017

Larson Blackburn is a successful author until his latest book is turne over to a tough internet critic. Not only does Babu shred what he read, but he marks it as DNF (did not finish). Babu has thousands of followers and his critique can make or break a book. Larson feels that his book will be shelved now or not even read. All that time and heart he put in, wasted. Larson can't help himself, against the advice of this agent, he replies to Babu and of course he is bombarded by Babu's followers, After a few days his agent Brent advises him the 'bad' press must be good press because sales were skyrocketing. He rides that high until his ex-wife, Noelle, contacts Babu and sets Larson up for a giant fall. She's bitter about the divorce and couldn't handle Larson being bi-sexual, now she is accusing him of plagiarism. Babu makes his first and potentially final mistake of his career as a book critic, he doesn't do any research on Noelle's information. He runs with it and publishes it on his blog. Larson gets his lawyer/lover, Lloyd, involved to handle Noelle and Babu's employer. In the meantime, despite his tumbling career he decides to attend the Gotham City Book Signing. He hopes to run into Babu, but he doesn't know if he'll notice him, the ball before the awards is a costume ball and he's never seen a photo of Babu. The night is a flop, so he picks up a girl at the bar for his entertainment and heads back to his room. They end up getting stuck in the elevator with a gentleman who begins to freak out. Larson asks his name and tries very hard to calm Troy with words but it isn't working and only seems to make it worse. Larson's last resort is to distract Troy with a little make-out scene with Natasha and Troy is literary blown away and starts to participate. Babu sleeps through the awards so Larson once again misses on an actual glimpse on his nemesis. Much to his surprise he realizes he's already seen him when he reads Babu's newest review. Babu is off his game big time and his followers call him out on it, but he mentions the elevator encounter just minus one dude. Larson figures they have played their internet tennis match long enough and it's time for some face to face. Lloyd tracks down Babu's address and now Larson is on his way. But what will he say? What will Babu/Troy do?

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Ashley S.

True Love and Pure Eroticism

Reviewed in Australia on 5 May 2015

To me, Black Balled is a flawless read. From the amazing character development to the unique storyline, it hit all of my requirements to make it the perfect M/M book in this genre.

Despite the rumors and all of the unnecessary controversy, this book is a modern love story between two strong willed and dominant men who were meant to find one another and, the way in which they did was fantastic, maybe even epic! This is also a book about finding and accepting yourself and learning to accept love when you least expect it and from a person you more than least expect. I went through a lot of different emotions while reading this book. I laughed (a lot), I cried and I seriously swooned for both H’s, Troy and Larson. But, if you think that the H’s are anything alike, you couldn’t be more wrong (well, with the exception of being alpha males). Although this is a love story, it doesn’t start out that way. The complete opposite, in fact. There is no insta love here, but a whole lot of insta lust and crazy hot sex scenes that will leave you wishing it was you in between them. Three words: “That bloody elevator.” Yes, that bloody elevator indeed. Just think of the yummy things that can happen in tight, closed spaces!

Not only are we graced with two delicious H’s, but two incredible authors, Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir, who brought both of their characters together as seamlessly as if it was just one author writing. A truly impressive feat and one that I believe is quite extraordinary.

Black Balled is an absolutely phenomenal and mind-blowingly naughty read. Trust me, you have to experience this book for yourself. I could not possibly give it a higher recommendation.

*I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review

2 people found this helpful

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Kristy Iogha

this was a great story with scorching chemistry

Reviewed in Australia on 20 September 2016

I made the mistake of reading the reviews before I started reading this book. Most are extremely negative so I was in the wrong state of mind when I started reading. However, not long after I began reading, I forgot all about the negative reviews and became so engrossed in the story I couldn't put it down. Please don't let the reviews put you off. this was a great story with scorching chemistry, angst, and a little comedy. I enjoyed it!

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Must Read

Reviewed in Canada on 21 November 2022

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I’m not sure how to describe this story of love other than to say please read it. I’ve enjoyed some of Andrea’s other books so far and highly recommend them. They are well written, flow smoothly and well edited (a nice change.)

Jo&Isalovebooks

A magnificent story. Simply Perfection.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 May 2015

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I F*****G LOVED IT!!!!
And that is my opinion, nobody payed me, no body bribed me, nobody begged me to read this. I received this book as I have received many others in exchange of an honest review and that is what as a reviewer I intend to do.

Can I first say KUDOS to both writers. This book was a complete breath of fresh air. I loved every minute of this story, and I just could NOT put it down. This plot was so precise, so well put together it developed and flowed flawlessly.
When I first received the ARC, I was a bit taken by the title, I hadn't read the synopsis I only knew it was M/M (my review manager knows I have a soft spot for these books), anyway, as I began to read, I was taken aback by the storyline.
In a nut shell the book evolves around two MC's, Babu and L.Blackburn. One in turn a prominent reviewer, the other an Indie Author, (yes you already know where this is going). What happens when an upcoming Author is suddenly terribly criticised claiming he had broken a big "cardinal rule" within the writing world. When someone has such a strong influence with readers, do readers tend to believe everything its said forgetting to make their own minds? Sadly yes, this is what happens. The actual word is "schadenfreude", a bit of morose delectation. It is "the feeling of joy or pleasure when one sees another fail or suffer misfortune". That is how this story begins. Are you enthralled? Well that is just how these two authors began what I can only describe as a brilliantly crafted story. “That’s how stories happen — with a turning point, an unexpected twist. There’s only one kind of happiness, but misfortune comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s like Tolstoy said. Happiness is an allegory, unhappiness a story.”

We are gifted with not one but TWO alpha leads, each so different in personality and physique, but both so similar in character. Both are fighting for supremacy, and it was such a turn on to read and learn about each of their past. In one chapter you veer for one of them, in the next you are rooting for the other, its comical but before you realise you are totally engrossed and in love with both of them. You see, there is a reason for their own behaviour and once you start scratching the surface, you can see that there is more that meets the eye.
The mother of all plans is set in motion, and as the authors described it, in its own Machiavellian way, one goes for revenge with an intent to get back at the other. But you know this is a book, and as with all books you know things don't ever go to plan, and what we get is a clusterfuk of the most comical and steamiest of ways.

Oh I could go on and on but I rather leave it to you to decide what you think of this story. I loved the humour, the wittiness and sarcasm, the tender and often heartfelt moments and the love that often has the power to change people's hearts.

Thank you to both authors for entrusting me with your "cub". I would love to read your next project.

5 BIG BALLSY STARS ***** ISALOVESBOOKS

Reviewed for Jo&Isalovebooks Blog

4 people found this helpful

Kerry Fletcher

Hard headed Alphas!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 December 2020

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Gotta say i really enjoyed this story! First read by these two and i was pleasantly surprised.

Larson is an indie author feeling pretty good about his new release, that is until it gets slated big time by the infamous reviewer Babu. Not being able to keep a lid on his temper Larson replies to the critic and his career suddenly takes a nose dive. Add in a besotted ex wife and Larson's life can't get much worse.

Babu/Troy loves his job. He can do it all from the comfort of his own home which he has took solace in after an attack on him a few years earlier. He knows his words matter as a book reviewer he has great sway in the community, making or breaking books. When he trashes L. Blackburns book he does not know that he will start a war of words that would change his life for good.

When these two finally meet the chemistry between them is explosive and they collide in a hot pit of an elevator with full on steam! Lol

The line between hate and love is fully explored by these two and it makes for a great read. I loved both characters almost as much as they loved themselves lol i found their egos highly amusing which brought some light relief to the borderline bullying they both did. The steam factor between the straight guy and the Bi guy was great! I love a GFY story i find it adds to the heat between the main characters.

Loved the storyline, it was something different which was great. The only reason i dropped a star was because i felt the beginning could of been cut shorter. By the time they finally meet i was very close to giving up reading, i just wanted them to meet already! I'm glad i continued because by the end i was happy with it and loved their HEA, but that beginning just dragged a bit for me, so don't give up! It was worth it.

Loved both characters. Alphas collide! Definately recommend the story as a whole.

myvicariouslife

Four stars for the book, five stars for the inspiration

Reviewed in the United States on 7 May 2015

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Disclaimer: I'm not a blogger. I knew nothing about the alleged inspiration for this book before I legitimately bought and then read it. My four star rating is because I liked the book. Four stars = I liked it.

Now that I have found out a little more info on the book and it's supposed origins, I'm laughing so hard and thinking of changing my rating to five stars! But I'm not going to because I'm going to give an honest review of what I read in the book and only on what I read in the book. (At the end though maybe I'll say why this book probably should be five stars with the added knowledge)

Basically the book is about two arrogant and Alpha men. Both are writers. One writes books the other reviews books, although he'd like to be a published author himself. Larson the Indie book writer gets a bad review from Troy/Babu the book reviewer. That's how it starts and then we see how Larson reacts/responds, how the two meet and get to know each other and fall in love. I know, it's a very basic synopsis but I don't want to give anything away and really this is what the bare bones of the story is about. How these two men become aware of each other, meet and fall in love.

The book has a lot more to it though. It's funny. The men are both highly arrogant which can be very off putting if not done well but I thought they were funny and I think they too found the humor in their own arrogance. They phrased things in such a way as to denote they realized they were ridiculous, especially Larson.

The book also had some depth and emotion to it. We got to know about the men and their backgrounds and a bit of maybe why they were the way they were. I liked the two men together. I liked their chemistry and all of the aspects of their relationship. I like that they felt like two men, and not like one could have been substituted with a women to easily make this a m/f instead of a m/m book. When they fell in love the relationship was not all sunshine and sparkles and light. Being in love with each other as a person does not mean being in love with everything that person does. I liked that. I liked that everything was not wrapped up into a nice neat little bow, but we are left knowing that they are happy, in love, and together.

It was a quick read but it was not mindless. It was funny but it also had emotional depth. And it was thought provoking especially in regards to the writing industry and self versus big name publishing. (And I thought that before I read reviews on goodreads) It provided a small glimpse into the world of Indie writing, some of the differences in getting big name published, and the reviewer/reviewee dynamic. I didn't feel like that was the main focus though. To me, the story was about Larson and Troy and them finding each other and completing each other.

I wish I was a better reviewer but really it boils down to I did like the book. I"m glad I read it. Even though I gave it a four star instead of five I might re-read it somewhere down the line especially since I am still thinking about the main characters several days later, and not just for the sake of the review. I do recommend it, and think you should find it enjoyable if you read it at face value and not necessarily for what it supposedly is.

So the hype: According to what I've seen on Goodreads (of which I am not a member or else I'd post there too), this book is apparently, possibly, based on real life actual events. This makes me smile :) Why? Because if that's the case then the author absolutely nailed what takes place in this book as far as the reviewer/reviewee (and all of the little reviewer minions) dynamic. Supposedly Troy/Babu is based on a real life reviewer who gave Larson (this author) a bad review and then everything hit the fan and viola this book was written. Now all of the real life reviewers little minions are apparently butthurt over the situation and giving this book one stars and horrible reviews on Goodreads. (I'll probably also be down voted as well for this section of the review, but that just proves the point) That is what is so hysterical and why I'm writing this part. In the book the minions fly to the reviewers defense automatically with no independent thought of their own and that is apparently what is happening in reality too. Apparently people can't legitimately like a book just for the sake of the book and not because they have any affiliation to the author or any other motivation. This just proves, in a glaringly obvious way, her point in the book about the whole reviewing world. And really if this incident is real and it is the motivation for the book....SO WHAT?!? Firstly, had the reviewer and followers not come out en mass and said anything, no one would be the wiser. Secondly, uhm yeh real life is often inspiration for what happens in fiction. The author can write just not about anything that happens in her own life or pertaining to herself specifically? And also, it's important to point out, that it was acknowledged that both sides in the book really didn't handle things in the best way and more specifically, Larson the author, didn't handle things in the best way. Take two seconds and ponder that.

It makes that aspect of the book better, it's now more real. But I personally liked and reviewed the book for the romantic relationship.

13 people found this helpful

SW and BK

An extremely fascinating journey into the lives of an imperfect pair

Reviewed in the United States on 29 July 2016

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I first came across these two characters, Troy (Babu) Babilonia and Larson Blackburn in Andrea Smith’s Hearts Afire anthology – and I absolutely hated them, couldn’t see anything positive or nice to say about them. But then it wasn’t their story, it was Lloyd Ledbetter (an ex of Larson’s) and Luke Gunner’s, so, naturally my loyalty was to this pair and Larson and Babu just came across as condescending a**hats. Which after reading Black Balled, I realised they truly were. But for two characters that were so completely opinionated, self-absorbed and obnoxious, they were surprisingly enough very appealing in their own right. I enjoyed just about every moment of their fiery, bitter, scathing and erotic interactions.

Under the pseudonym of L Blackburn, Larson has poured his heart and soul into a story he has self-published – a decision he has made by choice, rather than because he has to in this instance, but by this very action he has brought himself to the attention of Babu, a scathing and career destroying reviewer.

Their resultant interactions were hilarious, horrid, and absorbing. They began a long distance love/hate relationship, in that they both loved to hate each other. But in doing so they became totally absorbed. The back and forth of their email communications was enthralling and filled with an appealing dark humour.

The story offered a fascinating glimpse into the life of an Indi Author on the verge of ‘making it’, and a reviewer, albeit an emotionally scarred one determined to burn him down. How close to the truth of it, it all is, I don’t know, but it was certainly a fun and entertaining tale, what with the inclusion of Larson’s current lover (see above) and a scheming ex-wife who hadn’t quite got the message that Larson was keen for multiple lovers of both genders and not what they had gone through over the last unhappy years.

Babu on the other hand was just confused, refusing to accept his sexuality for what it was due to traumas happening in his past life. That and a knife in an elevator, had the guy almost a recluse in his own apartment. Until the pair met at a convention - in a stalled elevator, of all places – and not recognising exactly who each other were, they shared a life-changing moment.

Honestly I loved the interplay between the two alphas. When their relationship finally took off it was beyond enjoyable – neither wanting to take the submissive position. But for the less obnoxious (not by much, may I just say) and more experienced in all things homosexual, Larson, the tentative relationship would have been doomed. It almost was, thanks to the ex, that and L Blackburn’s faltering career.

I will say though, if you are not a fan of gender comparison, then be aware there is a bit of it going on in this book. Larson is bisexual and you do get his sexual views on what is best about both sexes, but they can come across as a little disparaging to women, and this is reinforced again with the couple’s punishment of the manipulative and deceiving ex-wife.

That said, I will definitely revisit this imperfect pair again and again because I found them extremely fascinating - faults and all.

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